Which functional group is most likely to be responsible for an organic molecule behaving as a base (-OH donator / H+ acceptor)?
A. Phosphate
B. Amino
C. Hydroxyl
D. Carbonyl
E. Carboxyl
HYDROXIL
To determine which functional group is most likely responsible for an organic molecule behaving as a base (-OH donor / H+ acceptor), we need to consider the properties of each functional group.
A. Phosphate: Phosphate groups typically act as acid donors rather than bases, meaning they tend to lose protons (H+), making them less likely to behave as bases.
B. Amino: Amino groups (-NH2) are known to act as bases because of the presence of the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. This lone pair can accept a proton (H+), making amino groups good bases.
C. Hydroxyl: Hydroxyl groups (-OH) can act as both acids and bases, depending on the specific situation. They can donate a proton (H+) and behave as an acid. However, they can also accept a proton (H+) and behave as a base. In the context of the question, a molecule with a hydroxyl group can function as a base.
D. Carbonyl: Carbonyl groups (-C=O) are relatively unlikely to act as bases because the double bond between carbon and oxygen results in a polarized bond where the oxygen atom is partially negative and less likely to accept a proton.
E. Carboxyl: Carboxyl groups (-COOH) can also act as both acids and bases. The carboxyl group has a hydroxyl group (-OH) and carbonyl group (-C=O). The presence of the hydroxyl group allows it to accept a proton, making carboxyl groups good bases.
Based on the information above, the functional group most likely responsible for an organic molecule behaving as a base (-OH donor / H+ acceptor) is the B) Amino group. However, it's important to note that hydroxyl and carboxyl groups can also act as bases depending on the specific context.